Cappahard Lodge inquiry delayed again

A NUMBER of staff employed in the Clare Mental Health Service, who were reportedly subjected to criticism in an Health Service Executive commissioned inquiry, have engaged solicitors following the publication of a draft report, The Clare Champion has learned.
The independent review into allegations about the care provided to the late Gerard Finn, Kilrush, was due to be published this month but has been delayed yet again for an unspecified period.
It is believed that some staff members who were allegedly criticised the draft report were only recently given an opportunity to view this criticism and make representations or observations to the review team.
The Clare Champion understands that a number of individuals have engaged legal advisers to represent them in this process.
Mr Finn (69), who suffered from Alzheimer’s and dementia, died in June 2007. The latest inquiry was established by the HSE in November 2008 following complaints about his care by two of his daughters, Lourda Finn and Sharon Murphy.
Psychiatric Nurses’ Association (PNA) secretary, Des Kavanagh, claimed some staff members were shocked to learn they could be identified in a draft report without being consulted or interviewed.
Welcoming the opportunity now being provided to individuals to comment on the report, Mr Kavanagh said he would oppose the publication of any report where a staff member wasn’t given the right of reply in compliance with natural justice.
“There have been a lot of retirements from Cappahard Lodge. I think people are now numbed because of all the investigations. Whether it is damaging or not to the service, I don’t know.
“I am very proud of the service that staff provide in the Clare Mental Health Service. If people are not satisfied with this report, I am not sure if there will be another one,” he said.
Asked for a comment about the delay, Lourda Finn said it had prevented her from getting closure concerning the way her father had been allegedly treated and found the protracted nature of the investigation upsetting and stressful.
Ms Finn added she understood the closing date for all interested parties to respond was January 15 and yet a month later, the final report is still not published.
“This has taken four years out of the life of my sister, Sharon and I and we have not been able to move on or grieve for the loss of our father. We need closure on this issue and we need a definite date for the publication of the final report.
“If any adverse findings have been made against any staff members working in the Clare Mental Health Service, these people should be suspended, which is best practice and is the case in other European countries,” she claimed.
The Clare Champion also understands that serious issues concerning the issuing of prescriptions for patients in the Clare Mental Health Service without names, medical card or other details were apparently forwarded to the HSE for action a few months ago.
The Mental Health Commission also highlighted concerns about the issuing of prescriptions when it visited Cappahard last July.
It also emerged that the Office of the Ombudsman may intervene if it considers there has been an excessive time delay concerning the completion of the review and could initiate yet another inquiry.
A HSE spokesman told The Clare Champion the exact timeframe of the inquiry is determined by the independent investigators and the needs of the enquiry.
“The HSE’s understanding is that the report has not yet been finalised and the HSE has not been informed when the final report will be submitted to the Consumer Affairs Department. 
“It would, therefore, be inappropriate to make any comment or take any action until the final report is received,” the spokesperson said.
He added, “The HSE is unaware of any complaints in respect of the issuing of prescriptions that were allegedly forwarded to the HSE. However, we can confirm that in the last inspection report from the Mental Health Commission dated January 18, 2010, that at the time of inspection the ordering, prescribing, storing and administration of medicines were fully compliant and evidence of same was noted”.